22nd November (Day )

After much discussion, the bane of James Starkweather's existence, Acacia Lexington, finally agrees to merge her expedition with the Starkweather/Moore expedition. We will all benefit from the additional supplies and many of us are looking forward to the cut and thrust of barbed comments between James Starkweather and Acacia Lexington. It should make for some interesting times.

Early November 23rd

Members of the Acacia Lexington expedition commenced the large task of packing up their base camp and moving in with us at the Starkweather/Moore expedition base camp. There is much to do and I spend most of my time ensuring that the new aircraft are safely moved along with the fuel and spare parts. The 'combined' fleet of aircraft now includes:

Weddell (Boeing)
Endergy (Boeing)
Fairchild (Small monoplane)
Belle (Northrop Delta)
Willey (Gyrocopter)

After breakfast I managed to listen in on Sir Hubert Wilkins having a quiet chat to James Starkweather. Willie was trying to convince Starkers to admit 'closure' of his former relationship with Acacia Lexington. It was clear that Starkers still had some pretty strong feelings about Acacia but he stubbornly refused to listen to Willie's pleas. Taking advantage of the situation, Willie, then tried to convince Starkers that in case of an emergency perhaps Starkers should appoint Willie as the head of the expedition. At this point Starkers informs him that he has decided to take a break from the expedition and go mountain climbing in the Britannia Range. He left it up to Willie to organise someone to fly him there.

10am I'm summoned along with the other members of the Starkweather/Moore expedition to a briefing by Dr William Moore. Most of us roll-up to the meeting somewhat nervous. The addition of the members of the Acacia Lexington expedition
to our own has created some misapprehension amongst us all. In the briefing Dr Moore explains the decision to merge our expedition with the Acacia Lexington expedition. Everyone has agreed that the Acacia Lexington expedition will not interfere with the Starkweather/Moore expedition. This includes anything of interest that we find at the Lake expedition. The primary focus of the members of the Acacia Lexington expedition is to film and photograph Antarctica.

The next step in our expedition will be to travel South to the Lake expedition basecamp, some 800 miles from our current location. This will begin at the conclusion of the dismantling of the original Acacia Lexington expedition camp
on the 26th November. The plan is to also establish an intermediary camp halfway between the Base camp and the Lake campsite which will be used to store a cache of supplies in case of an emergency. The process of moving the combined expedition to the Lake campsite will take up to 3 days. About 50% of the original Starkweather/Moore expedition will remain at the base camp including
(Patrick Myles, Oglefinger, Charlene and Tomas Lopez) with the 'Fairchild' monoplane. Only 6 members of the original Acacia Lexington expedition will be travelling with us to the Lake campsite.

At this point, Sir Hubert Wilkins, steps in to kindly offer his distinguished services. Unfortunately with little telling effect on the new expedition leader, Dr William Moore. After the briefing, I make a point of chatting to the
engineer, Kyle Williams, from the original Acacia Lexington expedition about the 'Belle'.

Nov 27 1936 'Departure Day'

Early that morning, James Starkweather, Neill, Fiskarson, Gunnar and a sled team of dogs get into the 'Fairchild' and are flown off to the Britannia Range. The round trip there and back again takes 4 hours.

By early afternoon, we have loaded the Enderby, Weddle and the Belle with supplies and finished preparations for the long flight to the Lake campsite.

Supplies taken in the first flight

Pabodie drill
guns
food
alcohol
ammo
dynamite
first aid kits
survival gear
climbing gear
binoculars
navigation instruments
2 portable radios
rock salt
personal gear
tents
tools
strange coins
pack of playing cards
chess set
books
scrimshaw set
camp supplies
fuel
sleds
cameras
compass
teddy bears
cooking gear
lanterns
endless amounts of rope
Plus equipment and supplies for the intermediary and Lake campsite.

At 1pm we set off flying south. Dr William Moore, Willy, myself, Dr Salmonrun and Dr Piper are aboard the Weddle, with Sir Hubert doing the flying. In the Enderby we have Sykes, Packard, Morris Cole and O'Doole. Bringing up the rear in the Belle flown by Kyle Williams we have Acacia Lexington, Priestly and Tuvinen (Polar specialist).

3.30 pm After flying for a couple of hours we start to look for a suitable site to establish the intermediary camp. Dr Moore locates an open patch of snow and then directs us to land the 'squadron'. We all make it ok, with Sir Hubert Wilkins, having a few nervous moments before putting us down successfully.

After a short stop to unload the supplies, we take off and continue our journey due West. For the first time we can see the Miskatonic mountains. A vast mountain range stretching as far as the eye can see. Even from hundreds of miles
away they appear quite big. As we fly closer we begin to get some sense of their immense size. They must be at least 10-12,000 feet in height.

We are now getting closer to the original site of the Lake expedition. At this distance we can just begin to make out some strange patterns on the sides of the mountains. They look vaguely mathematical and appear as if someone had
deliberately crafted out of the sides of the mountains. Dr Salmonrun ventures his opinion that the strange mathematical designs are due to some local meteorological conditions which have carved the patterns into the sides of the mountains.

As we get closer, the radios appear to be affected by the magnetic properties of the Miskatonic Mountains. We'll need to make sure that they are checked once we have landed. Finally we manage to locate the Lake Expedition's original camp. It is about half a mile above the polar plane. We begin our descent.

Sir Hubert Wilkins struggles to control the Weddle as we encounter turbulence. We are all transfixed to the windows giving us a rare glimpse of the truly awesome size and nature of the Miskatonic Mountains. At one point we notice a series of low humps which appear to be in a line. We locate the airstrip which appears to be serviceable and at that point, myself and Dr Piper, became air sickness. I spend the rest of the short period of descent getting up close and personal to the deck of the 'Weddle'.

Finally we land and my torment is ended. After the others have quickly evacuated from the Weddle, Dr Piper and I stumble out into the snow, looking the worse for wear. From our landing site on the airstrip we can see a large dark mound which is about 400 yards to the Wests of the original Lake camp. This appears to be some form of artificial structure which is less weathered than the other mounds.

6pm 27th November 1936

After unloading the supplies and setting up camp, Dr William Moore, gives everyone a lecture on the real purpose of the Starkweather/Moore expedition !
...

The roar of the engines dies away, replaced by silence and the singing wind. It is a desolate, lonely sound. For a moment, no one moves, then Professor Moore unbuckles himself and crouches down by those in the aircraft, looking each of them in the eyes in turn.

"You know why we're here, of course," he says in a low voice, intent and serious. "We're here to find out what happened three years ago. What really happened."

"Something terrible took place outside, just a few yards from this spot. I don't know what it was, but it cost me a number of good
friends. And the ones who know what it was - the ones who came home - are afraid to tell".

He pauses to let that sink in.

"I know those men, as I knew the men who died. Lake, Atwood, Carroll - they were brave fellows. Not afraid of the unknown. William Dyer and Frank Pabodie were brave men too. Unafraid of death - unafraid of the truth."

"I ask your help in this. You're not afraid to look under rocks, or to make sense of what you find. I want to know what is here - where
everything is - before calling Mister Starkweather. Don't move anything yet, but find it all. Clear of as much snow as you can without disturbing things."

"Set up a camp tonight, and tomorrow we will survey the site before we commence drilling."

He pauses for another moment.

"I want to know what killed my friends".

He stares for a moment out the window at the Belle and her crew, spectacled face carefully bland, then turns to the door.

To be continued.

Ruben Bernstein.

November 20

Antartic Ice shelf.

Dear Aunt Gretchen,

Thank you for your telegram last week. Please tell Inga that I hope she and Jurgen are very happy together, and can I please be having back my rabbit mittens.

Love (hah!),

Gunnar
~ ~ ~
Notes to game 20-21 November game time (short session following our viewing of "The Thing":

Continuing from previous session at Lexington Camp:

Salmonrun talked to the film maker Chip and the 2nd Lexington pilot Kyle Williams. Williams was pretty spooked, although L. had gagged media reports, a number of acts of sabotage had affected the L. expedition also, with foods spoilt by chemical additives. The expedition moral is low, with many rumours of impending disaster, the attack of the madmen and the loss of the generator may be the last straw. Having ‘showed up’ the Starkeweather expedition, their main objective was achieved, leaving mapping, film making and photography as the main tasks remaining.

Neil discusses with Hubert the precarious situation of the L. camp without a generator, fearing for their safety. He suggests Hubert try to convince Starkeweather to help them rather than storming off, but Hubert points out that this was likely the root of their argument (no pun intended). Seems likely that due to the past history, Starkweather wants a humble plea for help from Lexington before he will assist.

Discussions with the only really together L. expedition member, Henke Benche, reveal his opinion that the camp is safe for the short term, and would prefer that Starkweather and party leave so he can calm down L. and sort out what next. Neil in particular is reluctant to leave, insisting on leaving behind a working radio. Charlie Sacks, an L. expedition engineer estimates the camp will be ok for two more days on back up generators.

Upon returning to camp, Hubert speaks to Moore before Starkweather does, and explains the possibly life threatening lack of cooperation between the leaders. Moore agrees to discuss the matter with the L. camp, but is not eager to directly confront S. until a solution is proposed by the L. camp. Hubert notes concern that L. saboteur not found yet, taking their expedition in risks exposing the party to sabotage once more. Salmonrun suggests humanitarian ethic as face saving reason to help L. expedition.

Moore succeeds in persuading S. to let him talk to Benche the next morning. Salmonrun proposes toasts in honor of the Walluru captain and crew, showing a macabre frame of mind.

21 November

Moore speaks on radio from early to late morning. Ruben uses airplane radio to eavesdrop. Discussion with Benche hints that there is some possibility of the expeditions combining resources to continue their respective missions. The Tallahassy support ship is steaming back in case they decide to pull out after-all. Benche asks for another day trip sled run to inventory the camps resources and build good will. He notes there is still some suspicion that the S. expedition may have sabotaged the L. journey.

Pullowski, Hubert, Rubin and Neil return. Gunnar and Salmonrun advance to re-commence establishing forward camps deeper on the ice.

L. goodwill trip assesses, canvases support for merging and assists repairs. Extra airplanes and pilots, plus fuel will be valuable.

Hubert establishes that both of the madmen (Bradsbury and Dinsdale) saw spiders and Doctor Anthony Curtis plans to send them back to the Tallahasy. Priestly was the third person on the flight the two madmen were on but no adverse effects.

Journal of Sir Hubert Wilkins (being an extract from his upcoming autobiography, reprinted with kind permission of the author)

14 November 1933

At last I have returned to this vast white land. I must confess that each time I depart, I ask myself if it will be forever. I wonder whether I shall manage to find more patrons willing to support explorations of new frontiers. Is this simply an addiction? All I know is that I never feel truly alive except when I am amongst this immense grandeur, with all of nature’s secrets beckoning to be found out.

After finally making our way through the ice pack that choked the Ross Sea, we entered clearer water and were confronted with the Ross Ice Shelf. Rising above the bordering sea ice, it forms a last icy barrier before Antarctica proper begins. It may be the world's largest body of floating ice, 600 miles long and rising in places to 200 ft. Before us there have been other visitors – Ross himself, Amundsen, Scott and Byrd, but still this place is so unknown.

The large wooden ramps were lifted from the hold of the Gabrielle and used to unload our expedition equipment onto the sea ice to establish our first camp. This was only a temporary affair as our base camp was to be set up on the Ross Ice Shelf. The rest of the day was filled with the work of unloading equipment from the hold.

15 November 1933

It is a striking contrast – the almost routine activities of unloading the ship which one might see in any port, surrounded by the scapes of ice and sea and the strange perspectives of the horizons. Behind us Mt Erebus looms over Ross Island, wisps of smoke rising from its volcanic peak. Those who fear the wilderness would be further confirmed in their beliefs after witnessing both the fire and ice of hell alongside one another. Amongst the noise of the tractors, men and dogs, there is the occasional crack of the ice shifting underneath us. Emperor penguins stride regally past our activities as though it was all an everyday occurrence here on the ice.

Gregor Pulaski and Enke Fiskarson led a dog sled team to find a suitable route over the sea ice and up to the ice shelf. On this important task they were accompanied by Gunnar, Neil, and Dr Salmonrun. Back at the camp, news was received by radio that Acacia Lexington’s expedition had made a successful flight (non-stop) over the South Pole. While quite an achievement, it still does not accomplish my desire to fly across the entire continent.

By mid afternoon, the two seater Fairchild had been unloaded and assembled under Reuben’s close supervision. A rough airstrip was cleared and, accompanied by Ralph Dewitt, I made the first flight of the expedition. Our initial task took us across the sea ice and up, over the ice shelf, to make a visual sighting of the sled team. The sight of men and dogs, so tiny, amongst the vast white plain, reminded me of the challenge of the task ahead.

It had been a hard task to take the sleds up to the ice shelf (particularly for Neil, who nearly fell into a crevice), however the team had reached the plateau by mid afternoon, in time to look back towards the ship and see us take off in the plane. Pulaski reported back by radio that a good area had been found for the first base camp.

We took the plane down low, with a little waggle of the wingtips, to say g’day, before setting off to find the Lexington Expedition base camp. I think some of the men below were a little worried by how close we flew, however they need not have been, as everything was well under control.

We turned the Fairchild E.N.E along the edge of the ice shelf, and it was no long before we were over the Lexington Expedition base camp – little more than a couple of hours sledding from our own location. The camp appeared well organized, with a good airstrip. We made a circuit, and then with a wave and tip of the wingtips, we set off back to our base camp.

16 November 1933

The nights are so short at this time of year, one must become accustomed to sleeping with bright sunlight leaking around the tent flaps. So it was early morning when the first tractor made its way up to the shelf so that it could begin work on the airstrip for the Boeing 247s that were being assembled next to the ship under the supervision of Reuben and Colt Huston. By afternoon our frozen tarmac was ready and the Boeings assembled. Shuttle runs commenced between the two camps, ferrying our supplies. I have observed that William Moore is in his element here, overseeing the organisation of the various tasks.

17 November 1933

Unloading of the ship was completed by the end of the day, and the ship made ready to move away from the ice and stand-off at sea for the duration of the expedition. We bid farewell to the captain and crew, and were gratified that Captain Vrendenburg took the time to thank our group for our efforts to find the saboteur on board.

18 November 1933

The shuttle flights continued, with everything on track until the sea ice began to break up. A great crevice opened near our first camp, running more than 100 yards inland. The cold dark sea that sloshed about within reminded us that we were not on dry land yet. Moore called a meeting of the relevant experts, and the general consensus was that the outlook was not good and greater speed was required. As the crack widened, we gave priority to the transport of food, shelter and food. At about 3pm a new crack opened up in front of one of the tractors. Thankfully the men were able to leap out before the heavy machine plunged into the icy sea.

With time against us, Neil suggested to Moore that a call be made to the Lexington expedition to request assistance. Moore agreed, and the call was made, however the reply was that their aircraft was away conducting a survey. A call was also made to the Gabrielle, which began moving in, but was two hours away.

My initial thoughts on our two pilots were reinforced during this effort – Ralph Dewitt appeared to thrive on the challenge, while Douglas Halperin appeared to find the pressure less enjoyable.

Despite our best efforts, by mid afternoon, the rest of the fuel was isolated on a floe, which then began to break up.

19 November 1933

The Gabrielle arrived in time to pick up some of the barrels from the floe, and we launched one of the life boats to pick up a few barrels still afloat. In all, it is estimated that we lost 30% of our fuel. Before retiring exhausted to the base camp, we searched for any evidence that the breakup of the ice was caused by some intervention, however this time our misfortune appeared to be simply down to nature herself. The afternoon saw Pulaski and crew set off in the sleds to lay out 250 miles of supply caches.

That night, as Neil and I slumbered in our “ANZAC” tent, we were awakened with a feeling of unease, to hear a bell – the radio’s alarm. By the time that we had stumbled over to the radio shack, Starkweather and Louis Laroche were already there. Laroche tuned the radio in and we listened to an anxious voice:

“Help! If you can hear me, land a party at once! This is Tony Hopewell, calling Tallahassie … Mac, can you hear me? Wait a minute, they’re …” And then we heard two loud bangs, before the transmission went silent. Laroche tried to raise them again, but without any luck.

With Starkweather’s agreement we readied one of the Boeings for a rescue flight. In the meantime, Laroche managed to raise the Tallahassie to learn that those on board could see that the Lexington expedition fuel cache and mess hall were ablaze. The Tallahassie reported being unable to land a party, and requested our assistance. After further debate, James decided on an overland expedition rather than one by air (although a follow-up flight was organized). I volunteered for the trip, along with Neil, Reuben, Dr Salmonrun and Gunnar. We were further delayed while James tried to convince Dr Piper that such a mission was no place for a woman. As with all previous attempts, Dr Piper failed to see reason and accompanied us.

Loaded up with guns, radios, and Reuben’s dynamite, we set off across the white ice and contrasting dark shadows. There was no trouble with navigation – the plume of smoke was an easy landmark. We halted out of sight of the Lexington camp. Reuben used binoculars to survey the scene – figures were moving around the camp, the radio mast had fallen and the radio hut was alight. One familiar blond haired Nordic figure (Henke Binch) strode around with a crowbar in hand!

James insisted on simply walking into the camp, although I argued against such a strategy. Reuben and Neil followed him in the sled, while Gunnar, Dr Salmonrun and I fanned out and took up positions in the snow, ready for any adverse response.

Henke bid Starkweather welcome in his strong Danish accent, saying that he had heard we were on our way, but that there was not much left to do. He did say that Acacia Lexington wished to see James in her hut. James strode over to knock on the door, while Reuben questioned some of the Lexington expedition about what had happened. He was told that two men - Bradbury and Doyle - had gone crazy and had had to be locked up in one of the huts, but not before they had caused a lot of damage and injured the radioman. The conversation was interrupted by the rising voices of James and Miss Lexington:

“Imbecile woman! I should have never allowed you to proceed!”
“You ignorant man!”
“Viper!”
“Buffoon!”
“Hold your tongue woman, or I’ll put you over my knee!” etc etc.

James finally stormed out of the hut shouting to us “Right, we’re going, we have been told we have nothing to contribute!” Whatever fondness there once may have been between the two now appears to be as dead as this frozen landscape. We did however catch a glimpse of Miss Lexington through the open door, and for the record, the men agree that she is a good looking sheila.

The rest of us were not quite ready to leave. Reuben and Dr Piper went in to see the two troublemakers. One man was curled up comatose, while the other sat and stared blankly ahead. The expedition’s doctor – Anthony – stood watch over them with a gun. The one who sat murmured “I hate spiders, I came here because there were none here, but now they are everywhere. I tried to burn them, I just got carried away.”

Dr Anthony reported that the two men (Bradbury, a cook and Dinsdale, a pilot) has been fine until that evening (working on moving fuel and equipment) when they claim they saw spiders coming out of boxes in their tent. Dr Piper’s professional opinion was that they were nutcases. Gunnar was also of the view that while the spiders were not real, the man genuinely believed that he had seen them.

Reuben questioned Henke further, but found that he was not particularly cooperative. In the meantime, Dr Salmonrun and I scouted around the perimeter of the camp, and spoke to one of the men cleaning up the mess – Chip Hooper, a filmmaker. Chip told us that the two men had run around calling out “They’re here, they’re here!” setting fire to fuel tanks and generators before they were brought to the ground. In response to my questioning, Chip told me that both Bradbury and Dinsdale had been on the flight over the South Pole. I wonder if the stress of such a dangerous journey had taken its toll. Dr Salmonrun also took the opportunity to ask whether the Lexington expedition had experienced any trouble such as sabotage before that night. Chip replied that things had been fine.

As I stood there amongst the charred and smoking debris scarring the purity of the white snow, I was reminded how precarious our presence on this continent is, and how dependant we are upon our tools and machinery to keep us alive.

Hubert